The investigation has concluded and Sorrell strongly denied the claims, which involved use of company funds which WPP said was "not material".

But Cable accused WPP of sweeping the claims "under the carpet" and said there was a "real lack of transparency", the BBC reported.

Cable said he will "seek to establish within parliament the outcome of the investigation into WPP’s Martin Sorrell", according to Bloomberg correspondent David Hellier on Twitter.

Vince Cable has just told me he will "seek to establish within Parliament the outcome of the investigation into WPP's Martin Sorrell." The allegations were serious and from a credible source, WPP chairman told investors last week.

The Liberal Democrats have form on using parliament’s legal immunity from civil or criminal liability in what is said in the House of Commons or House of Lords to drive greater transparency in business.